TROIS-RIVIÈRES — Quebec Economy Minister Christine Fréchette officially launched her bid for the leadership of the Coalition Avenir Québec on Sunday, emphasizing nationalism and the economy.

Surrounded by ministers and members of the national assembly who support her, Fréchette made the announcement at the offices of Groupe PRO-B, an industrial construction company, in Trois-Rivières, her hometown.

She said the location choice was intentional.

“This company embodies the people, entrepreneurs and businesses that I want to help, that we want to help,” she said, noting that Groupe PRO-B is active in the energy transition and defence sectors.

Fréchette reiterated the CAQ’s desire to ”increase Quebec’s autonomy and powers within Canada.”

As the Parti Québécois holds a convention in Saint-Hyacinthe, in Quebec’s Montérégie region, this weekend, Fréchette argued that the current moment is “the worst time in 50 years to hold a referendum.”

“In the current context, both in North America and internationally, it would be really imprudent, very irresponsible to embark on this process,” she said.

Fréchette is the second candidate to enter the race, after Environment Minister Bernard Drainville, who announced Saturday he intends to run to succeed Premier François Legault.

She welcomed Drainville’s candidacy, describing him as “passionate” and “committed.”

“I know he has offered to sign my nomination paper, and I will do the same. I would even go further: I invite all the MNAs who support me to sign his nomination paper as well. We are both committed to a movement in which party unity must prevail,” she said.

Drainville also congratulated Fréchette in a message on social media.

“It promises to be some good discussions and good debates on the future of our party and of Quebec. I look forward to talking with her,” he wrote.

Under the rules of the leadership race unveiled Thursday, both candidates must temporarily step aside from their ministerial duties.

A former Parti Québécois member, Fréchette was first elected in 2022 under the CAQ banner in the Montérégie riding of Sanguinet.

She initially served as immigration minister. Following the departure of Pierre Fitzgibbon, she assumed responsibility for the economy portfolios he previously held.

She notably led a major energy reform package adopted in June after the government invoked closure to limit debate.

To qualify, candidates must gather the signatures of 1,000 CAQ members from at least 75 ridings, including 15 MNAs and 100 members of the party’s youth wing. They must also make a non-refundable contribution of $30,000. Campaign spending is capped at $150,000.